fashion Archives - Conversations through the middle

The art of fashion

January 19, 2013

I love this dress from the Ruby + Ed spring summer collection. It looks like summer – all those colours, very like one of my favourite paintings, Water lilies, by Monet.

The inspiration for this year’s collection is Van Gogh’s Almond Blossom, which is not a painting I’m familiar with so I had to look it up. And it’s beautiful.

There’s lots of printed fabrics, pale watercolour florals and some colour blocking (yes, it’s been around a while, but apparently it is hanging on in there for next season.)

I’m also rather taken with this Ria Silk Smoke Top:

And just in case you think I’m getting too far ahead of myself talking spring summer, I found this lovely fake fur coat in their online sale – it’s £139.30 – there’s £59.70 off, a big saving on the original £199 – and it looks so warm I don’t think I’d ever be cold again wearing it. I am definitely tempted. What do you think?

Arm candy – Radley spring summer 13

December 6, 2012

You can never have too many bags. Some people like jewellery, some people like watches, me, I love bags. So you can imagine how thrilled I was to be invited to the Radley SS13 launch in London a week or so ago. I walked into a large, white room, completely full of beautiful bags. I was in heaven.

This is my favourite – the Chiltern Tote. Hanging above is the Classic Pocket Bag and alongside you can see the Chiltern Mini. Look at the paint colours splattered on the canvas behind and that chair is amazing. The colours are new for next summer and the coral at the end is so beautiful. My favourite though is the blue, second from the left. My photos have not done the colour justice, but here it is close up.

It is much more vibrant and rich than it appears here. It launches at the end of February and I shall continue to lust after it until I buy it – already saving up as it costs £129.

Here you can see the vibrancy of the coral shade better than before. At least I think it’s coral; it is described as red but I see an orange tint to it that will look fabulous against tanned skin next summer. I believe the bag to the right at the back is the Hastings, the one on the left in the back row is the Aldgate.

There’s a lot of detail in the design of next season’s collection. Here you can see the weave pattern that features strongly throughout…

And here is a close-up of the embossed theme that also runs through the collection and is bound to be popular next year. This Lily Broad grab bag is a variation on that theme – isn’t it delicious?

Radley is just not Radley without the dog. And don’t worry, he does make an appearance in spring summer 13. Illustrator Rory Crichton has created a number of styles in a distinctive print (Thames), ranging from a purse to a tote to a barrel bag.

Model and writer Laura Bailey continues her partnership with Radley through a series of styles in canvas and leather, just right for weekends away in summer or sunny days out. The weekender is my favourite here.

There were oh so many other gorgeous bags on display, in all different sizes, so just to sum up and so you don’t miss anything…

Fashion – wonderful wellies

October 19, 2012

Take a look at these. Not only are they practical (of course, wellies have to be), not only are they a lovely colour, but take a closer look, yes they are lined! Not just lined with any old material mind you, they are lined with merino wool. Here’s a close up:

How toasty do they look? They would be the height of sophistication at the yard and I love them. Unfortunately, at £160 per pair, they won’t be walking through the mud with me anytime soon. Even if I could afford them I’d probably be too scared to get them dirty in case I spoil them. So that’s one for the wish list then.

They also come in a beautiful winter cream (Caramel), bluish grey (French Grey), and more traditional green and black.

Fashion – Musto SS13 – part 2

October 13, 2012

Following on from my taster of Musto’s new line for next spring and summer here are the fashion show shots. The host for the event was Zara Philips who you can see above, doing her stuff. I particularly like her equestrian collection, but then I would, wouldn’t I. However Musto is a brand that covers many sports, so the Olympic fashion parade below has looks for sailing, fishing, shooting and equestrian fans. Some of the clothes could be worn for any occassion while others are obviously dedicated to their particular sport – you wouldn’t go to the shops wearing this red waterproof sailing outfit for example. Or would you?